an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

There are many things in running and life that seem too big to overcome. Whether that's a long run, a fast pace, starting your own business, learning a new language, or going for a new job. All of these things put us outside our comfort zone. Fear often greets us in our journey and tells us we'll never get to our destination.

While I'm pretty good at keeping the doubt demons at bay, there are times I find myself casting shadows on my plans. To the point that I wonder, why am I doing X anyways? It's very easy to start questioning your ability to achieve a big goal.

I was listening to a podcast on my run the other day and the topic of doubt was being discussed. My takeaway was simple: the doubt, the fear and any other friction faced in achieving your goals are simply barking dogs. Now hear me out....

You tell yourself your goal time is impossible? Barking dog. Someone tells you that "too much running is bad for you"? Barking dog. You think, there's already so many X-type of businesses; what would make mine different? Barking dog. Someone tells you you're not ready for that job? Barking dog. ALL of that doubt, ALL of that fear, ALL of that "it's impossible": these are all barking dogs.

The thing about dogs, is that they bark when you walk by and they are tied upon a leash. They KNOW you are going somewhere that they are not. They bark because they want to come with you (or for you to stay behind). DO NOT DWELL ON BARKING DOGS. Keep walking.

I'll leave you with one of my all time favourite quotes. I discovered this quote many years ago. It never get's old.

“The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough. They’re there to stop the other people.” -Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture